In Germany, there is a lack of information and research on health, illness, and disability of students and doctoral candidates. Health is a prerequisite for employability and academic success. The health of students deteriorated during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is no systematic health monitoring in Germany, and students are not included in national health surveys. The existing study landscape is fragmented. One untapped source of data is the microcensus, Germany’s “small census” and largest household survey. Recently, the microcensus has integrated the European Community Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC), which includes health-related questions. The research project aims to generate new scientific insights through secondary analyses of the 2021 and 2022 microcensus data. A unique feature of the microcensus is its ability to analyze health differences between 1. students and non-students of the same age, 2. students who drop out of university, which provides insights into correlations between health and academic success or dropout, and 3. doctoral candidates, for whom health data is particularly scarce.
The comparative analyses will focus on:
a) health conditions,
b) disabilities,
c) illnesses,
d) utilization of health care services,
e) health expenditures, and
f) health behaviors, while accounting for demographic and socioeconomic characteristics.

The secondary analyses will employ descriptive statistics, correlation analyses, and multivariate regression analyses. The study will not only identify correlations but also generate population representative prevalence rates and (severe) disability rates. Disparities revealed by the findings will indicate areas for potential prevention. Beyond generating new scientific knowledge, the project will derive implications for universities, practical applications, and policymaking.